Man In Autumn Pasquale Murder Case Sentenced In NJ Home Invasion

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — A Clayton man who was previously convicted in the murder of a 12-year-old South Jersey girl has now been sentenced to more than 30 years in prison for his role in a 2017 home invasion in Gloucester Township, authorities announced.

Dante Robinson, 25, of Clayton, was previously found guilty of armed robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, burglary, theft, aggravated assault by pointing a firearm, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and endangering the welfare of a child.

Robinson was convicted of that crime in 2019, six years after he pleaded guilty to fourth-degree obstruction of justice and was subsequently released from jail in the murder case of 12-year-old Autumn Pasquale in 2013. Read more here: Man In Autumn Pasquale Murder Case Convicted In NJ Home Invasion

Robinson was sentenced on Thursday to 35 years, six months in prison with 27 years of parole ineligibility, according to Acting Camden County Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer.

“Being safe in your own home is of paramount importance to all citizens. Our homes are supposed to be a place of comfort and security for each of us,” Mayer said. “Home invasion crimes cut to the very core of that security and are so damaging to victims as they try to move forward in their lives. At the CCPO, we take these offenses very seriously, which is why we fight hard to seek convictions and appropriately severe sentences, as in this case.”

Robinson was hospitalized after being shot during a break-in at a home on Key Lane in the Sicklerville section of the township in May 2017. He and four other people wore face masks when they broke into the home armed with an assault-rifle-styled paintball gun, according to evidence presented at trial by Special Deputy Attorney General Acting Assistant Prosecutor Michael Mastrangelo.

At the time of the robbery, two women, a man, and a young child were inside the home, according to the prosecutor's office. After being hospitalized, Robinson was taken to Camden County Jail and charged. See related: Man Charged In Gloucester Township Home Invasion

A week later, four more people were arrested and charged in connection with the robbery. Lamont Conley, 18, of Sicklerville, and three teenagers from Clayton were arrested and charged. Read more here: 4 More Arrested In Alleged Gloucester Township Home Invasion: Police

Andre Magobet and Kahlin Wright, both 18 of Clayton, pleaded guilty to armed robbery on June 18, 2018. One person was charged as a juvenile and sentenced to a period of incarceration in a New Jersey Youth Detention Center.

Only Conley avoided any jail time. He was found not guilty on all counts during a trial in 2019. Read more here: 4 People Facing Jail Time In Gloucester Township Home Invasion

Robinson was 17 at the time of the high-profile murder of Autumn Pasquale in 2012. His younger brother Justin was 15 when he lured Pasquale to her death. He confessed to the murder and was sentenced to 17 years in prison.

In his guilty plea, Justin Robinson indicated in a signed statement he had acted alone and his older brother had no idea what was going on. Dante Robinson wasn't held responsible in Pasquale's death.

Justin Robinson also said his mother and stepfather weren't home when Pasquale was killed.
Pasquale was killed in October 2012. The Clayton community launched a massive search for her when she was reported missing after leaving home to ride her bike. Her body was found in a recycling bin days later.